Community Health & Safety Initiative in Oak Lawn

Community Health & Safety Initiative in Oak Lawn
Oak Lawn Chamber hosted a Health & Safety Expo  at the Oak Lawn Senior Center on Tuesday with 40+ vendors offering health, safety, and local resources. (Photo by Kelly White)

The Oak Lawn Chamber of Commerce brought more than 40 vendors under one roof Tuesday, April 22, for a community-focused Health and Safety Expo at the Oak Lawn Senior Center, offering residents resources ranging from wellness checks to identity protection.

The event, held at 5220 W. 105th Street in Oak Lawn, served as a one-stop shop for seniors and families looking to connect with health providers, safety organizations, and local agencies — including the Oak Lawn Police Department’s drug disposal program and a community document shred station sponsored by state Sen. Bill Cunningham and state Rep. Rick Ryan.

Oak Lawn Fire Chief David Wheeler and firefighter, Eddy Flores, at the Oak Lawn Chamber Health & Safety Expo on Tuesday. (Photo by Kelly White)

“We are happy to bring so many vendors together in one place for our residents,” said Anne Fritz, executive director of the Oak Lawn Chamber of Commerce. “Events like this really show what our community can do when we work together.”

OSF Healthcare, one of the participating vendors, offered wellness resources and information on physician services in the area.

“We love being a part of the community through events like this,” said Katie Varnardo, manager of physician office services for OSF Healthcare. “It’s a chance to meet people where they are and offer real support.”

At the event, library cards were issued, raffle tickets collected, and neighbors chatted with representatives from senior services, hospitals, fitness programs and public agencies.

For the Oak Lawn Public Library, the expo was a chance to connect with a key audience.

“This is a great opportunity to show seniors what the library has to offer and to be able to have one-on-one conversations with them,” said Meghan Moran, assistant department head of customer services at the library.

The chamber’s expo, a longstanding tradition in Oak Lawn, focuses on practical help and personal connection — a mission that resonates with vendors and visitors alike. With free services, information booths, and a steady crowd throughout the afternoon, organizers say the event was another strong showing of Oak Lawn’s community spirit.

Oak Lawn Chamber hosted a Health & Safety Expo  at the Oak Lawn Senior Center on Tuesday with 40+ vendors offering health, safety, and local resources. (Photo by Kelly White)

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